Keystone Centre Establishes Foundation to Ensure Future Growth

The Keystone Centre has officially launched a new foundation aimed at enhancing the operation, improvement, and accessibility of the facility. The announcement was made on October 12, 2023, during an event attended by local politicians, business leaders, and community members. The foundation seeks to educate the public about the vital role the Keystone Centre plays as a regional hub, according to Barry Cooper, the volunteer executive director of the newly formed Keystone Centre Foundation.

During the announcement, Cooper emphasized the centre’s importance to the local economy and culture. “The Keystone is a key economic and cultural driver for Brandon and for Westman, one of the best value-for-money investments we could ever make,” he stated. The new foundation is a partnership with the Brandon and Area Community Foundation, designed to ensure the centre’s long-term sustainability.

Foundation’s Objectives and Community Engagement

The Keystone Centre Foundation will focus initially on community engagement before transitioning into fundraising efforts. Cooper mentioned that the foundation aims to gather input from residents regarding how the centre can better serve their needs. “I’m not selling anybody anything. I’m just talking about the value of the facility, and I hope that people see that as something they want to come on side with,” he remarked.

Community engagement will include soliciting feedback on perceived shortcomings of the centre and suggestions for improvement. This strategy aims to foster a sense of ownership among residents, highlighting the centre’s role in shaping their experiences over the past 50 years. Cooper added, “What would Brandon, Westman look like if the Keystone Centre wasn’t here? What a scary thought.”

Financial Viability and Future Events

According to Connie Lawrence, CEO and general manager of the Keystone Centre, the foundation has been in development for several years. She indicated that maintaining a facility of this scale can be costly, making the establishment of a strong foundation essential for ongoing operations. “We want to make sure that our doors stay open for years to come, and that your children and grandchildren get to use this magnificent facility,” she said.

In recent years, the centre has faced operating deficits, which have required financial assistance from both the city and provincial governments. Lawrence stressed the necessity of securing proper funding moving forward, stating, “By educating and teaching people the importance of the Keystone Centre, I think that gives people peace of mind of where they could invest their money.” She noted that the centre is often misunderstood as an eyesore, but its closure would have significant negative effects on local businesses.

The foundation plans to host two significant events to raise awareness and engage the community. The first is a free family fun day scheduled for December 20, 2023, followed by the inaugural Keystone Centre Foundation Dinner on May 14, 2024. The dinner will feature keynote speaker Israel Idonije, a former NFL player and local resident.

Local politicians, including Grant Jackson, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, expressed their support for the foundation’s initiatives. Jackson highlighted the unique opportunities the Keystone Centre provides to residents, especially youth. He described the foundation as a “call to action” for community members to reflect on the centre’s significance and advocate for its future.

Jennifer Ludwig, president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment, stating that the Keystone Centre serves as an economic anchor for the community. “The value and economic stimulus from events that are hosted within this facility are remarkable and so important to the business community in Brandon,” she explained. Ludwig emphasized that there is no other venue like the Keystone Centre in Manitoba, and it plays a crucial role in attracting visitors and events to the region.

The establishment of the Keystone Centre Foundation marks a pivotal step toward ensuring the facility remains a vital part of the community for generations to come. As local leaders rally around this initiative, the focus will remain on fostering community engagement and securing the necessary resources to support the centre’s ongoing mission.